A lot of people get distracted when reading Romans 9 by the quote from Malachi 1 that Paul uses: “Jacob I have loved but Esau I have hated.” In its context in Malachi this statement refers, not to individuals, but to the nations of Israel and Edom who were named after their ancestors Jacob and Esau respectively. Edom became an enemy of Israel and was complicit in all sorts of atrocities against her and God is reminding his people through Malachi that he loves them and has set himself against Edom. This is not about personal animosity. But let’s not get distracted from the main point that Paul is making here. The main point is that not all Abraham’s descendants were automatically included in God’s purpose: God is constantly refining who his people are. And this doesn’t depend on man’s desire or effort; but ultimately on God. Paul wants to ensure that we understand that God is directing things from his sovereign perspective and that his purpose is not contingent on the choices of people. Our choices are very important. However, ultimately it is not “man’s desire or efforts” but God’s mercy that determines what will happen. Think about this in the light of what often seems to be an uncertain future. It is certain that you will make mistakes. You may therefore doubt that God’s purpose will prevail in your life. But the other certainty is that it will be God’s mercy that ultimately determines your place in his plan not your actions.
Thank God that his mercy determined your future.
Read Romans 9:10-18
